Luxury Glamping in the Lakes District
Not everyone can have a vacation or weekend getaway, especially if not planned. So when you get the chance to have one, all you need is to make it worthwhile and try glamping in the Lakes District in North West England. With over two hundred mountains, seventy small lakes and sixteen significant lakes, and thirteen valleys, your weekend getaway may not be enough to marvel at the simplicity, quietness, and smell of fresh green grass in the luxury of a pod.
Glamping in pods or huts doesn’t work like your usual hotel stay. Glamping allows you to enjoy the beauty of nature outdoors: from going mountain to mountain to riding canoes over the lakes or to simple talks over nighttime campfires. You can always have them one at a time over the moors and under the starry night in the luxury of outdoor comfort.
So hop in and if it feels like something you would do, let’s see what the Lakes District has to offer.
10 Best Spots for Glamping near the Lakes District
Lakes District doesn’t run out of things to do. When you want to be one with nature and camp around but don’t want to compromise your comfort, choose among these glamping spots to make your stay in Lakes District more memorable.
Table of Contents
The Lakes District National Park
Lakes District National Park is the largest national park in England. It has an area of 912 square miles and became a national park in 1951. UNESCO recognized its significance and listed it as a world heritage site in 2017. This popular tourist attraction has a beautiful balance of water, and land treasure, about 16 million people visit each year.
Lakes and valleys separate the circular region with the mesmerizing hilltop shapes that were a product of repeated glaciation for millions of years. For this reason, everyone works their best to preserve Lakeland. this area is also known as Lakeland. Its mountains, craggy hills, and long-tailed lakes have been featured in postcards and by famous writers like William Wordsworth, Beatrix potter, and John Ruskin.
With all the valleys, waterfalls, and lakes hosted in the region, it is also home to many wildlife animals. The area is a sanctuary to different wild bird species like red kites, dippers, golden eagles, and common ravens
Where Is the Lakes District?
The Lake District sits in the mountain regions of three significant lake counties: Cumberland, Lancashire, and Westmorland. The national park primarily takes the central part of Cumberland county. There are about thirteen towns you can go to in the Lakes District:
- Keswick and Cockermouth in the North West
- Penrith, Glenridding, and Carlisle in the North East
- Grasmere, Kendal, Hawkshead, Coniston, Bowness-on-Windermere, and Ambleside in the South East
- Ravenglass and Furness Peninsula in the South West
Things to Do in Lakes District
There are so many activities you can do in Lakes District. But to enjoy and marvel at the entire scenery, you have to explore the region with these activities:
Walk and climb into the fells of Old Man of Coniston.
This walk is popular for the clear easy-to-walk-through pathways going to the summit. It is known as one of the easiest from a degree of difficultly perspective. Stop and marvel at the remains of slate and copper mining activities that happened 800 years ago.
Visit Lake Windermere.
Climb, stroll, bike, or walk around the lake. But if you want to drift away from its pathways, hop on for row boating or sit on to take cruise ship trips that last up to three hours.
Take a sip and visit the district’s distillery.
It’s famous for its Single Malt Whisky, an artistic take of oak, and you’ve got to try it out. Get a glimpse of how their wine is made during the 45-minute tour. Or head on to the cafe and take some lunch. They also offer Traditional Toast and afternoon tea.
Take your loved one on a scenic boat ride at Derwent Water, Kenswick.
This one principal Lakes District water landmark not only has a dramatic view for couples but a lovely lakeside shore to walk on. The water body is about three miles long, and a day is not enough to marvel at its scenery. The lakeside walkway is about a 10-mile walk around the lake.
Most of its shores have great spots to have picnics not only for couples but for the entire family. There are plenty of spaces for play parks, cycling, cafes, and glamping. All you need is a tent at night and just lay down and have a good look at the bright stars.
The Derwent Water is also a good spot for fishing, and there are many exciting events for water sports and such.
Catch the theater performances at Derwent Water.
If you’re a fan of musical performances, the place holds theater festivals and events annually. Regular performances also happen in its cafes: comedy, drama, and musicals.
Bring your family to hike at Castlerigg Stone Circle.
Near Keswick in Cumbria lies about forty free-standing stones flattened in a circle. These were placed there in the Neolithic and the Bronze Ages. The stone ring forms a natural amphitheater with a slightly raised center. These stone circles stand out for the land surrounding the ring. Fly out a drone to get a better shot of the Castlerigg or create Instagram-worthy pictures from inside the circle.
Have a peek at William Wordsworth’s writing hut.
Pay respects to him in his home at Ambleside. Get to know him more in the Rydal Mount and see how he landscaped his gardens, take a look at his office study in his attic, plus check out his library.
Or you can have a cream tea at his dining room or spend on a poetry night with the Wordsworth’s while taking a glass of wine or tasting the famous Grasmere’s gingerbread.
Bring your kids to the World of Beatrix Potter.
The kids will love the World of Beatrix Potter as it features most of the characters in Potter’s stories and books. It houses life-sized scenery and statues from her books.
Top Attractions in the Lakes District
Still undecided?
Here are more attractions that you can go to at lakes district:
Wildlife Centers to go
Because Lake District has most of its land and water treasures preserved, it hosts healthy wildlife apart from the wildlife spots in the region. Aquariums, farm parks, and wildlife parks are also one of the go-tos of tourists.
The Lakes Aquarium
Situated at the lakeside of Lake Windermere, the Lakes Aquarium boasts of a collection of species native to UK freshwater and marine waters. There is also a collection of underwater species from Asia, and you can even marvel at these lake creatures while walking in an underwater tunnel.
Lakeland Maze Farm Park
A gigantic maze made of maize, the Lakeland Maze Farm Park hosts many events and activities like tractor riding, outdoor karts, trampoline, and animal feeding.
South Lakes Safari Zoo
The South Lakes Safari Zoo is home to over 1000 wildlife species. You can hand-feed some of them like giraffes and Penguins or get close to wandering animals like kangaroos, lemurs, or marmots.
Aside from these, there are also plenty of activities to try, like the zip line, scramble nets, swings, and slides.
Museums and Galleries
Aside from the World of Beatrix and Rydal Mount, the Lake District boasts many museums that are great to visit.
Eskdale Mill
Are you interested in going on a ride between Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway? Take a short stop at the Eskdale Mill. A survival water-powered corn mill in Lakes District, it boasts of newly-restored working parts of the mill. It holds interactive exhibits, and you can even watch the machinery milling in action.
The Rum Story
Whitehaven was one of the biggest ports of rum trading with the USA. The museum sits on the original shop of the Jefferson’s, where the dark spirits are stored, and becomes a tribute to rum making. Have a trip to the prehistoric ambiance with its original restored clerk office, from stools to safes and the actual making of rum.
Windermere Jetty Museum
The museum boasts of a rich history of boat making and industry of over 200 years. It sits inside the Windermere Steamboat Museum, where you can get to know George Pattinson.
George Pattinson is the founder of the former museum known for his love for boats, who also had a vast collection of Windemere boats.
You can tour inside a huge boathouse where the actual boats float on. The boathouse sits beside the building that houses the restoration facility for the vessels: expert and skilled boat makers from Windermere work here.
Other museums to go to
The Lauren and Hardy Museum hosts film-playing of the famous duo, and most of their memorabilia are on display.
The Pencil Museum is a must-visit for parents and kids bonding. Here sits the world’s largest pencil, and kids can learn more about how pencils are made.
The Lakeland Miniature Village is a product of a retired builder, Edward Robinson. This place houses a miniature version of the Lakeland buildings.
Historic Homes and Landscapes
The National Trust took over more properties to preserve, while some private families do so with their heritage houses because of their rich history and beautiful landscape.
Levens Hall
The gardens at Levens hall date back to the late 1600s. It hosts 300 years of trees and bushes and hundred-year-old ancient trees and boxes. The type of landscape that trended in the 1700s is still maintained in the Dutch-style box-edged flower beds.
Dalemain House & Gardens
A private family, the Hassles owned this beautiful property that aged from the 12th century. It has a mix of Georgian, Tudor, and Medieval architecture. An interesting mix of plants to marvel at includes old-fashion roses, meconopsis blue poppies, and sleeping Giantess.
Train and Boat Rides
Windermere Lake Cruises
It takes about 3 hours to cruise entirely to the largest lake in England. The boating service offers long and short trips. You can choose between modern and traditional cruises. Nevertheless, this is one of the most sought-after experiences for tourists. Windermere Lake Cruises, which is about 10.5 miles, has three starting points, and anywhere you start will guarantee an incredible experience for the family.
Ullswater Steamers
Ullswater, one of the most beautiful lakes in the Lakes District, combines the cruise with options to walk out and hop back on the ferry, providing more ways to explore the beauty of Ullswater and its walkways. From there, you can take a walk at the Lakes District National Park and get a nice view during spring at Wordsworth’s daffodils.
Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway
If you choose to take a train, the heritage railway takes you from Haverthwaite to Lakeside. At the Haverthwaite station, you can dine, have a picnic, or bring the kids to the Woodland Playground. The end of the ride will bring you to the Lakeside Pier, where you can start your boating journey or head on to the Lakes Aquarium.
Other ride options
Take a train ride via Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway. Or, if you are heading to Derwent Water, take a boat ride with Keswick Launch. And for remote tours, try the Coniston Launch to explore more.
Windermere Luxury Camping Pods (★★★★★)
Windemere Luxury Camping Pods are located on Baker Knott Farm in the stunning Lake District of Cumbria. From here, you can bring the kids to the World of Beatrix Potter or the Lakesland Plastic Factory.
You can also go to Kendal’s Abbot Hall Art Gallery or the Kendal Museum. You can also stream at the Coniston Water.
image credit: Windemere Luxury Camping Pods
Glamping Accommodation
The family-friendly glamping site offers two glamping pods complete with beds, sofa, cooking, laundry, showers, and toilets. One of the pods is dog-friendly so your furry friend can come on holiday with you.
Dining Options
The pods have their own cooking facilities and their are also nearby pubs and restaurants.
Glamping Activities
Lake Windemere is only a 5 minute drive away. Or you can enjoy amazing walks from your door.
The nearby village of Bowness is 2.5kms (1.5 miles) away. Here you’ll find steamer trips, galleries, boutiques, pubs and restaurants.
The luxury glamping pods make an excellent base for exploring the stunning Lake District.
Drybeck Farm (★★★★☆)
Drybeck has a unique one with a nature glamping collection of accommodation that lets you sit on a hot tub after a whole day of exploring the Lake District. The camping farm sits at the River Eden banks, in between Pennine Fells and lakes District.
image credit: Drybeck Farm
Glamping Accommodation
Drybeck Farms boasts of nature-friendly glamping accommodations like Wooden cabins, wooden wagons, a yurt, and a camping site to put up some tents. Most of them accommodate up to 4 persons. It has facilities for a shower and hot tub.Dining Options
Drybeck Farm has facilities for cooking.
Glamping Activities
At Drybeck, they hold some events to watch out for. However, your stay alone at Drybeck can be worthwhile to do some walking and relax by the river. Some parts of the river are great for wild swimming. Some walking routes lead to Eden Gorge rock carvings, High stand, and Coombe Woods.
There are even plenty of cycling routes to ride on Eden Valley.
Herdwick Huts (★★★★★)
The Rydal Hall in Ambleside hosts its exclusive glamping site on their grounds with Herdwick Shepherd huts. It’s just beneath the Fairfield Horseshoe. The site is a beautiful spot for sightseeing and feeling the nature beneath your nose: the leaves, the firewood, and the paths that lead to breathtaking waterfalls and hidden pools.
image credit: Herdwick Huts
Glamping Accommodation
The huts sleep up to three people and are dog-friendly. Each cabin has cooking facilities, a wood-burning stove, double and single bunk beds with memory foam mattresses.
Dining Options
The huts have their respective set of a wood-burning stove, cast iron gas bob stove, and a microwave. All you have to do is cook.
Glamping Activities
A glamping site that holds yoga, the Herdwick huts is a serene place to do things alone, with a friend, or with special someone. You both can take a walk to the Coffin Route Walk, Rydal Mount, or Rydal Mount. On-site is a few minutes away from hidden waterfalls and pools. It only takes 25 minutes to Ambleside and 30 minutes to Grasmere.
Crossghyll Farm (★★★★)
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly pod near Lancashire, the Crossghyll is a must-try. The site is a family-run dairy and sheep farm. It sits in the Littledale valley, surrounded by hills that extend to the fells.
image credit: Crossghyll Farm
Glamping Accommodation
Although the place has shared shower rooms and sink, it’s still one of the best budget glamping sites in the Lakes District. It hosts six cute little pods that may take up to 5 people. The pods are unfurnished, so you must bring your utensils and bedding.
Dining Options
Dining options are limited at the farm itself. You can grill up a barbeque, and the site has its fire pit for guests! The villages of Brookhouse and Caton are nearby for dining out at a pub or restaurant.
Glamping Activities
Hike up the hill and get a 360° view of the three counties around it: Lancashire, Cumbria, and North Yorkshire. Walk around the fells of Mallowdale Pike, Clougha Pike, and Wardstone. Visit local attractions.
Castle Guards Farm (★★★★★)
One of the most luxurious glamping pods on this list is at the Lake District northwest edge. The site boasts of well-spaced en-suite pods with modern amenities inside. The glamping pods sit on a privately secluded valley but have easy-to-follow routes for cycles and cars.
image credit: Castle Guards Farm
Glamping Accommodation
The glamping pods take up to six people having two bunk beds, two double beds, and two double sofa beds. Each pod has its picnic table, and you can even ask for a wood fire hot tub.
Dining Options
The pods have their respective dining sets, complete with microwave, kettle, a fridge, toaster, and a hob.
Glamping Activities
On-site, you can do some outdoor activities like cycling. There are many attractions nearby like:
- The Lakes Aquarium,
- The Lakes Distillery,
- The Beacon, and
- The Lakes District Wildlife Park.
Derwentwater Camping and Caravanning Site (★★★★☆)
This glamping site is your go-to if you love water sports. In the north of Lakes District, the campsite sits in between Derwentwater and Skiddaw. And you’re probably going to go glamping at one of its safari tents.
image credit: Derwentwater Camping
Glamping Accommodation
The Safari tents would accommodate up to four persons. There are two bedrooms in each tent with two beds and a sofa.
Dining Options
Each tent has facilities for both dining and cooking.
Glamping Activities
On-site, there are pitch areas for tourists: The Walker and Oval Park. With only a few minutes away from Kenswick, the site is excellent for walking, cycling, or simply relaxing.
And since you are in Derwentwater, you will have plenty of water sports activities. You can even take courses in Derwentwater Marina as a refresher.
Howbeck Lodge (★★★★☆)
Howbeck Farm is a family-run farm that extends from the outside of the Hesket Newmarket. It is the best location overlooked by Carrock Fell and High Pike, a perfect spot to marvel at the beauty of Caldbeck Fells.
image credit: Howbeck Lodge
Glamping Accommodation
The Feather Down, their sleeping tents take up to six people. If you want to have an eco-friendly getaway, here is the perfect spot that will bring you back to basics. Connect more with your family and nature on a glamping tent without electricity.
Dining Options
It offers a kitchen without the technology you know. Farm and indoor dining are available too! Take fresh harvests from the farm and cook them on a wood fire stove.
Glamping Activities
If you are to glamp at the Howbeck’s, you will appreciate exploring the local surroundings such as:
- High Pike,
- Carrock Fell, and
- Northern Fells of the Lakes District.
Cycle or walk around the fells. You can also explore the Ullswater with some canoeing, sailing, windsurfing, and rowing.
Damson View Glamping (★★★★★)
The Damson View has a great spot uphill at the Lyth Valley. From here, you can marvel at the clear and stunning view of the Cartmel Fell, Whitbarrow Scar, and Crosthwaite. It’s your chance to wake up at the fragrance of damson hedgerows.
image credit: Damson View Glamping
Glamping Accommodation
The glamping pods are able to sleep, two people. Each pod has a Wi-Fi connection, smart TV, and heating.
Dining Options
The outdoor chairs can light up nighttime firepits or grill with barbeque. Inside the pod, it has a fridge and microwave, plus a toaster and utensil sets.
Glamping Activities
The best view comes from the night sky, seen next to a fire pit. You can always walk and cycle over the fells in the daytime, and you’ll never run out of things to do. You can also come over to Leven’s Hall if you want more topiary scenery.
Kentmere Farm Pods (★★★★★)
The family-owned farm sits at a nature-friendly location at the bottom of Kentmere Valley, just beside the River Kent. These luxury pods stand on 500-acre farmland where farm animals like sheep and ponies live. From here, you can get a better view of the mountains in the South Lake, and 18th century stone barns and farmhouses complete the attraction.
image credit: Kentmere Farm Pods
Glamping Accommodation
Inside the glamping pods are modern kitchen amenities, a sofa, double bed, a shower room and a toilet, a patio with wooden decks, and underfloor heating. Each pod sleeps up to four people and is perfect for couples’ romantic getaways.
Dining Options
Each pod has a designated fridge, utensils, toaster, and kettle. You can also opt to grill on the outdoor seating. Or you can drop by Mill Yard and Moores Bakery or head off to Hawkshead Brewery for local artisan beers.
Glamping Activities
The glamping site is a great starting point for walking or cycling around South Lakes. Explore towns such as Staveley, Kendal, Windermere, and further afield.
Once Upon a Fell (★★★★★)
A secluded campsite sits in between the fell sides of Yorkshire Dales and Lakes District. The location lets you get in and out within 10 minutes via M6. The working sheep and dairy farm is a great spot to view the Lake District Fells and Howgills. It has views reaching to Ingleborough.
image credit: Once Upon A Fell
Glamping Accommodation
The new site has bell tents, camping pitches, and the Roundhouse. Their bell tents have a double bed, and you can opt for single beds to bring in two more people. Each tent has its toilet and shower. There are outdoor seatings and a hammock to relax outside.
Dining Options
Aside from the log-burning stove, some tents do have gas stoves for cooking.
Glamping Activities
Of course, you can explore the fells by walking, climbing, or cycling, or simply relax or have some campfire under the night sky.
Your Best Holiday Ever, Glamping In Lake District
You’ll never run out of things to do at Lakes District. You can either walk and hike through the land or ride on a ferry and cruise along the beautiful waters of the Lake District.
But most of all, a glamping suite will make your stay more memorable, so you can find the peace you’re looking for, away from the bustle of the city.
